Finance & Performance
A round-the-world trip or a long backpacking trip involves specific risks: multi-country travel, long duration, sporting activities and stays in remote areas. The best insurance policies for backpackers combine high levels of medical cover, rapid evacuation, flexible repatriation and adventure sports options. According to Investopedia, some policies offer up to $500,000 evacuation and $125,000 to $250,000 treatment, with extensions for over 200 sports.
Duration and multi-trips: Annual or multi-trip plans are preferable for a round-the-world trip.
Adventure sports: Verification of activities covered (diving, mountaineering, skiing, paragliding). World Nomads covers over 200 sports.
Repatriation: High ceiling (≥ $500,000) and hospital of choice option.
Flexibility: Option to extend the policy en route, coverage outside the country of residence and the possibility of working or volunteering.
Price: Backpackers have a limited budget; we prefer plans offering good value for money.
World Nomads (Standard / Explorer / Epic) – Best for adventure. The Standard plan covers more than 200 sports and offers medical coverage of $125,000 and evacuation of $400,000. The Epic plan increases baggage coverage ($3,000) and adds extreme sports (heliskiing, skydiving). Cancellation limits remain low ($2,500), but this plan is ideal for adventurers.
IMG Patriot Travel Medical / GlobeHopper – High medical coverage. Patriot plans offer coverage from $500,000 to $2 million in medical care, and potentially unlimited evacuation. Adventure Sports Rider options cover extreme sports. In addition, IMG offers monthly renewal plans, useful for flexible round-the-world travel.
Seven Corners (RoundTrip / Wander Frequent Traveler) – Long stay. The Wander Frequent Traveler plan covers multiple trips for one year, with $1 million evacuation. For backpacking adventures, Seven Corners offers sports extensions and an emergency locator service. Trip Protector Basic already offers 100% cancellation and 150% interruption coverage.
HTH / GeoBlue Voyager – Seniors on long-term trips. GeoBlue offers annual plans for expatriates or long-term travelers with access to a global medical network, coverage for pre-existing conditions and optional adventure sports. Evacuation ceilings reach $500,000, and coverage can be renewed for up to 12 months.
Travelex / Generali / AXA – Budget solutions. Travelex allows you to select options for adventure sports. Generali offers economical plans with 24/7 assistance. AXA Assistance, although with lower ceilings, may be suitable for a tour of Europe or travel in low-cost areas.
| Insurer | Medical coverage / evacuation* *) | Sports covered | Highlights | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Nomads | 125 000 $ / 400 000 $ | > 200 sports (scuba, trekking, mountain biking, etc.) | 24/7 assistance, extreme sports extension, baggage up to $3,000 | Adventurers, backpackers |
| IMG Patriot / GlobeHopper | 500,000 to $2 M / unlimited | Rider extreme sports | Monthly renewable plans, hospital of choice, high care | Long stay, temporary expatriates |
| Seven Corners Wander | 250 000 $ à 500 000 $ / 500 000 $ | Rider sports | Multi-travel, emergency locator, 150% interruption | Digital nomads, world tours |
| HTH / GeoBlue | 125 000 $ à 250 000 $ / 500 000 $ | Sports options | Extendable ceilings, pre-existing coverage, global network | Seniors, volunteering |
| Travelex / Generali / AXA | 50 000 $ à 250 000 $ | Sports options according to plan | Moderate price, 24/7 assistance, extension possibilities | Tight budget, quiet itineraries |
* Amounts vary according to duration and age. Check policy details.
How do you insure a 6-month round-the-world trip?
Choose an annual or multi-trip plan (Seven Corners Wander Frequent Traveler, HTH GeoBlue) that authorizes several stays of a maximum duration (generally 30 to 60 days) and offers a high level of repatriation cover. If your trip lasts longer than an authorized period, you can take out and renew a temporary international health plan (IMG Patriot).
Are adventure sports included?
World Nomads covers over 200 sports. IMG, Seven Corners and HTH offer riders for extreme sports. Check exclusions and choose the “Adventure Sports Rider” option when available.
Can you extend your policy en route?
Some insurers (IMG GlobeHopper, Seven Corners Wander) allow you to extend or renew your contract during your trip. You must contact the insurer before the expiry date and pay the prorated premium.
Does travel insurance cover work or volunteering?
Standard policies cover leisure activities. For volunteering or paid work, choose an expatriate plan or a specific add-on. IMG and HTH offer comprehensive policies for temporary expatriates, with medical and repatriation cover.